More than a dozen families have been left homeless after a fire tore through the small village of Wennington, on the outskirts of east London, on Tuesday amid the UK’s record breaking 40C heatwave.
As many as 41 homes were destroyed across London yesterday - nearly half of which were gutted in Wennington alone.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said that two detached houses, two semi-detached houses, two rows of terraced houses, two outbuildings, six single-storey garages, 12 stables and five cars were ruined by the blaze.
This was one of a number of fires which broke out across the capital on the hottest day on record, as the LFB declared a major incident.
Black smoke billowed into the air as the blaze spread, while a rescue centre for residents was set up.
1. Scenes of wreckage from the Wennington blaze. Credit: Getty Images
More than a dozen families have been left homeless after a fire tore through the small village of Wennington, on the outskirts of east London, yesterday amid the UK's record breaking 40C heatwave. | Getty Images
2. A series of grass fires broke out around London amid an intense heatwave. Credit: Getty Images
As many as 41 homes were destroyed across London yesterday - nearly half of which were gutted in Wennington alone | Getty Images
3. Several houses were destroyed in the fire in Wennington leaving many people homeless. Credit: Getty Images
15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters were called to the east London village on Tuesday to tackle the huge blaze where 40 hectares of grassland, farm buildings, houses and garages were destroyed. | Getty Images
4. Emergency services fight fires in a row of houses in Wennington. Credit: Getty Images
Black smoke billowed into the air as the blaze spread, while a rescue centre for residents was set up. | Getty Images